Maintenance method of purple leaf Oxalis in potted plants at home

Maintenance method of purple leaf Oxalis in potted plants at home

temperature

Oxalis prefers a warm and humid environment, and the most suitable growth temperature is 16~22 ℃.

It is not cold-resistant. The plant stops growing at temperatures below 10 °C and the leaves wither at 0 °C. However, as long as the underground rhizomes are not frozen, they can still sprout new leaves and grow normally in April of the following year. To ensure the leaves are in normal condition in winter, the temperature should be kept above 5 ℃.

It is not resistant to high temperatures. When the temperature exceeds 35 ℃, the leaves curl, the growth slows down, and it enters a dormant period. Spray water on the leaves in time, provide shade and increase ventilation.

illumination

Oxalis needs plenty of light to grow and should be grown in a full-sun or half-sun environment.

It needs to receive sufficient sunlight in spring and autumn. Excessive shade will cause the leaves to become dull, the petioles to become weak, and the plant shape to become scattered. But it is also necessary to avoid direct sunlight, and provide appropriate shade from May to September to prevent sunburn.

Oxalis has a strong phototaxis. When caring for it, place it on a balcony or windowsill, and change the position of the plant frequently to ensure even light on all sides.

Watering

It is drought tolerant but prefers a humid environment.

During the growing period, keep the soil in the pot moist and adhere to the principle of "don't water unless it's dry, and water thoroughly when you do." During the hot summer season, the plant enters a dormant period. At this time, you should spray water to keep the soil in the pot slightly moist. In winter, when the temperature drops below 10 °C, water the plants to prevent bulb rot.

Appropriate rain helps growth and development. However, drainage must be timely. Rainwater accumulation in the potting soil will cause the leaves to rot and lead to the death of large numbers of plants.

Ambient humidity

Oxalis likes a humid environment. When the growing environment is relatively dry, spray water around it in time to increase the humidity.

Fertilization

When potting, apply enough base fertilizer.

During the growing season, in order to make the plants grow healthily and ensure that the leaves are thick and shiny, apply nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium compound fertilizer once a month. Pay attention to the concentration when applying fertilizer. Too high a concentration will burn the bulbs and affect growth. Stop fertilizing in July and August .

Be careful not to apply a single fertilizer, especially nitrogen fertilizer, which will cause the leaves to turn from purple to green and affect the appearance. When fertilizing, do not splash liquid fertilizer onto the leaves, as this can easily cause leaf diseases.

prune

The following three situations require pruning:

When the plant grows too vigorously, remove the denser leaves in time to improve ventilation and light conditions and promote growth.

Of course, in daily maintenance, it is necessary to remove the yellow leaves in time to reduce the occurrence of diseases and pests.

Growing flowers requires aesthetics. When the petiole is too long or the plant shape is not beautiful, you can cut the leaves heavily to allow new leaves to grow again.

Repotting

Oxalis grows very quickly and should be repotted once every spring. It is best to change the soil when repotting, and loose, fertile, well-drained, neutral-acidic soil is preferred.

Pest control

Common diseases and pests of Oxalis include leaf spot, gray mold, root rot, red spiders, aphids, snails, etc. Early detection and early prevention are necessary. For specific prevention and control methods, see another article: Common diseases and pests of Oxalis and their prevention and control